Arts & Culture

Grasmere and Rydal have been an inspiration to many artists, poets and writers over the centuries, including William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Robert Southey, Sir Walter Scott, Thomas de Quincey, John Constable, JMW Turner, William Green and Alfred Heaton Cooper. Given this long association with artists and painters, it is highly appropriate that Grasmere has the honour of hosting the annual Lake Artists’ Society exhibition and Grasmere Summer Poetry every year.

7 Dove Cottage, Wordsworth Museum & Art Gallery (NY342070) Home of William Wordsworth from 1799 to 1808, his most prolific and inspirational years as a poet. Discover the house and family on a guided tour with many of his household items on display. The Wordsworth Museum & Art Gallery next door houses a collection illustrating his life through manuscripts, books and art. There is also an excellent café and restaurant on site.Tel: 015394 35544 www.wordsworth.org.uk

8 Rydal Mount & Gardens (NY362065)William Wordsworth’s ‘best loved family home’ for 37 years until his death in 1850. He moved here in 1813 and many of his personal effects are on view. Outside, the four-acre fell-side garden created by Wordsworth was designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape and is virtually unchanged today.Tel: 015394 33002 www.rydalmount.co.uk

grasmere & rydal

Crowned with magnificent fells and mountains, Grasmere nestles right in the heart of the Lake District. From Dunmail Raise in the north, the vale of Grasmere opens up with the rugged peak of Helm Crag (otherwise known as ‘The Lion and the Lamb’) sheltering the town below. Together with neighbouring Rydal Water, the setting conjures up a quintessential image of romantic Lakeland.

The natural beauty of the area has provided inspiration for painters, poets, writers and craftsmen for years. The most famous was William Wordsworth who described Grasmere as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found’. He spent his most inspirational years at Dove Cottage in Grasmere (1799–1808), writing his most famous poetry there. Rydal Mount at Rydal was where Wordsworth’s family lived for 37 years and is still owned by his descendants. Both are now acclaimed visitor attractions. Wordsworth’s grave can be visited at St Oswald’s Church in the centre of Grasmere.

Grasmere’s early history was devoted to farming, wool manufacture and some mineral and rock extraction. The old packhorse route between Ambleside and Grasmere used to be the main route between the two towns for the transport of cloth before the new turnpike road was opened (now the A591).

With the introduction of the railway to Windermere in the 18th century came Victorian tourists, eager to experience the Lakeland landscapes that had inspired the famous writers and artists. And people are still flocking to this area today, not only to soak up the landscape, but also to taste the renowned, world-famous Grasmere Gingerbread, made to a secret recipe.

Grasmere

The lakeshore of Grasmere is accessible by a lovely path around the south-western side. The lake attracts a range of waterfowl, including great crested grebes, coots, mallards, swans and red-breasted mergansers. Rowing boats are also available for hire at Faeryland 1 near Red Bank.

Some classic fell walks can be enjoyed from Grasmere, including Helm Crag and the Fairfield Horseshoe, both giving fabulous views of the lake. Loughrigg Terrace (NY345057), one of the best low level walks in the area, provides stunning views over the lake, across to Grasmere and towards Dunmail Raise. A gentler option is a riverside walk along the River Rothay from Broadgate Meadow to St Oswald’s Church. A level path from White Moss car park (NY348064) leads to the banks of the Rothay and is suitable for use by wheelchairs.

2 St Oswald’s Church once served three parishes, and each had its own separate entrance to the churchyard – a lych gate for Grasmere, a wrought iron arch for Rydal and Ambleside, and a small gate for Langdale. The Wordsworth family regularly attended this 13th century church, as did the wealthy Le Fleming family of Rydal Hall. Gravestones for both families are in the churchyard. A rushbearing ceremony takes place here every year in mid-July.

Published by South Lakes Tourism Action Group and Cumbria TourismDesigned by Sedley Place

Whilst every effort was made to ensure that the information was correct at the time of going to press, Cumbria Tourism can accept no responsibility for any changes, errors or omissions, nor for any inconvenience arising therefrom. www.golakes.co.uk

Rydal

Rydal Water is one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District yet remains very popular due to its famous literary connections. Wordsworth made his home at Rydal Mount and access to Dora’s Field 3 , now owned by the National Trust, can be gained from its gardens, or from the churchyard. Wordsworth planted hundreds of daffodils in the field in memory of his daughter, who died in 1847. Steps lead up from the eastern end of the lake to Wordsworth’s Seat 4 – reputedly the poet’s favourite viewpoint.

The Coffin Route 5 from Rydal across Nab Scar was originally used to carry the deceased from Rydal and Ambleside for burial in Grasmere Church. Now a public footpath, the route provides fantastic views over Rydal Water. On the lake edge is Nab Cottage 6 , once home to Thomas de Quincey and Hartley Coleridge, the son of Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

a sense of placeBy BusService 599 operates hourly between Bowness Pier (Windermere) and Grasmere (via Windermere rail station and Ambleside). Seasonal Sunday service.

Service 555 between Kendal and Keswick (via Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere) runs at regular intervals every day.

Explorer tickets allow travel on all Stagecoach buses in Cumbria and Lancashire. Tickets can be purchased on any Stagecoach service.

By TrainThe nearest main-line railway station is at Oxenholme (2 miles south-east of Kendal). A branch line connects to Windermere (8 miles away). There is a frequent rail link between Oxenholme and Windermere stations (the Lakes Line) with trains departing every hour or so.Tel: 08457 484950 www.tpexpress.co.uk

For more information on all bus, rail and ferry timetables and fares, contact Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 orwww.traveline.org.uk

By Cycle For information on cycling in Cumbria generally, go towww.cyclingcumbria.co.uk

Bike hire available at:

BiketreksRydal Road, Ambleside, LA22 9ANTel: 015394 31245 www.biketreks.net

Ghyllside CyclesThe Slack, AmblesideTel: 015394 33592 www.ghyllside.co.uk

Budgie Bikes Tel: 01524 389410 www.budgietransport.co.ukHire point at either of the Grasmere Youth Hostels. Bikes can be dropped off at most Youth Hostels throughout Cumbria – check website for details.

For advice on local events, where to eat, where to stay and what to do in Grasmere and Rydal, please call or visit: Ambleside Tourist Information Centre, Market Cross, Ambleside, LA22 9BS Tel: 015394 32582 Email: tic@thehubofambleside.com

Alternatively you can check availability or book accommodation on www.golakes.co.ukCover image: Grasmere

Art installation at Grasmere boat house

Grasmere Rydal Mount

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what to see & do...

More things to see & do

9 Rydal Hall (NY367064)Tel: 015394 32050 www.rydalhall.orgFor centuries this was the home of the influential Le Fleming family, who became wealthy on the proceeds of copper mining. The gardens were designed by Thomas Mawson (an internationally renowned landscape gardener from Windermere) in 1909 and have recently undergone extensive renovation. Visitors are welcome to wander around the gardens and visit the café. Open daily 10.00-4.30. Free admission but donations towards upkeep of the gardens welcome.

10 The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop (NY337074)Tel: 015394 35428 www.grasmeregingerbread.co.ukThe irresistible aroma of freshly baked gingerbread entices all who pass near Sarah Nelson’s original gingerbread shop. The sweet delicacy was a favourite with Victorian travellers coming to visit Wordsworth’s grave and the family firm is still making delicious gingerbread today to the same secret recipe. Open Mon–Sat 9.15-5.30, Sun 12.30–5.30 (shorter opening times in Winter).

11 Heaton Cooper Studio (NY336076)Tel: 015394 35280 www.heatoncooper.co.ukA family-run art gallery in the heart of Grasmere, first established by Alfred Heaton Cooper in 1905, displaying original paintings and prints by four generations of the Heaton Cooper family, all of whom have been inspired by the magnificent scenery of the area. Open Mon–Sat 9.00–5.30, Sun 12.00–5.30 (shorter opening times in Winter).

12 Taffy Thomas’s Storytelling Garden (NY337074)Tel: 015394 35641 www.taffythomas.co.ukEnjoy a regular programme of events with the captivating and award-winning Taffy Thomas. The Storyteller’s garden in the centre of Grasmere is a unique venue for family storytelling performances.

13 Easedale Tarn (NY337076)Easedale Tarn lies in a hollow deepened by glacial action. As the glacier melted, it left behind debris on the rim, forming a natural dam. The outflow from the tarn – Sour Milk Gill – cascades over the rim to the valley floor. There is a popular and easy path up to the tarn from Grasmere village. This was one of Wordsworth’s favourite walks.

14 Rydal Church (NY364063)The church was built in 1824 by Lady Le Fleming of Rydal, with William Wordsworth having an input in the design. William Wordsworth was church warden from 1833–34.

15 Barney’s Newsbox (NY337077)Tel: 015394 35627 www.barneys-newsbox.co.uk.Holds the largest stock of jigsaws in England – over 8,000 jigsaws are stacked high in all parts of the shop. Open daily from 7.00 am.

Local facilities

Tourist Information – Market Cross, Ambleside.Visitor Information Point at Dale Lodge Hotel reception.

Post Office – Red Lion Square, Grasmere.

Public Park – Broadgate Meadow, Grasmere

Car Parks – Stock Lane. Broadgate Meadow. Red Bank Road. Grasmere Primary School (weekends and school holidays only). White Moss car parks (x 2) are approximately 1½ miles from Grasmere on A591 to Ambleside.

Petrol Stations – Lake Road, Ambleside.

Public Toilets – Off College Street in the centre of Grasmere (including disabled toilet – RADAR key required). Stock Lane car park (closed Dec-Feb).

Did you know?

According to legend, a battle took place at Dunmail Raise in AD 945 between King Dunmail of Cumberland and a combined force of Anglo-Saxons and Scots. After Dunmail was killed in battle, a large pile of stones was placed over his body as a memorial. The heap of stones can still be seen near the summit of Dunmail Raise between the two carriageways.

The Peace Oak in Broadgate Meadow (next to the river), was planted by Canon Rawnsley (co-founder of the National Trust) on 19 July 1919 to mark a day of peace on the anniversary of the start of World War One.

An ancient sweet chestnut in the grounds of Rydal Hall (NY367064) is estimated to be over 500 years old, and probably planted before the current hall was built in 1600. Its massive girth measures around 11m (36ft), although huge burrs make precise measurement difficult.

On the side of the A591 (NY331111) is a black and yellow Automobile Association box, one of only a few remaining in the country.

The terraces, balustrades, steps, fountains and urns at Rydal Hall incorporated the earliest use of precast concrete.

Red deer are know to swim across to Heron Island in Rydal Water from White Moss Common.

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Grasmere

Rydal ChurchSt Oswald’s Church

Dove CottageGrasmere sceneDove Cottage